EDITOR'S PREFACE.

IN this philosophic age, when
nature, reason, and the rights of man have resumed their empire;
when the genius of a great, generous, and brave people is giving
the last blow to superstition and despotism, the publication of a
work which has greatly contributed to these glorious events, must
be highly acceptable, not only to the literary world, but even to
the community at large, who eagerly seek after instruction, the
moment they believe it necessary for their happiness.

This publication bears a conspicuous rank among those works
whose free and independent sentiments have introduced a happy
change in the public mind, and concurred with the writings of
Rousseau, Mably, Raynal, and Voltaire, in bringing forward the
French Revolution: a revolution which will probably prove the
harbinger of the complete triumph of reason. Persecutions and wars
will then cease for ever throughout the civilized world.

In offering this translation to the public, I pay a tribute that
every member of society owes to his fellow citizens, that of
endeavouring to acquaint them with their true rights and duties,
and consequently, the means most conducive to their happiness.